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Panasonic G9 vs Panasonic ZS15

Portability
62
Imaging
60
Features
90
Overall
72
Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15 front
Portability
92
Imaging
36
Features
37
Overall
36

Panasonic G9 vs Panasonic ZS15 Key Specs

Panasonic G9
(Full Review)
  • 20MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Screen
  • ISO 200 - 25600
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 658g - 137 x 97 x 92mm
  • Released November 2017
Panasonic ZS15
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 24-384mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
  • 208g - 105 x 58 x 33mm
  • Launched June 2012
  • Alternative Name is Lumix DMC-TZ25
  • Replacement is Panasonic ZS20
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Panasonic G9 vs Panasonic ZS15 Overview

Here, we are comparing the Panasonic G9 and Panasonic ZS15, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are designed by Panasonic. There exists a noticeable gap between the image resolutions of the G9 (20MP) and ZS15 (12MP) and the G9 (Four Thirds) and ZS15 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The G9 was revealed 5 years later than the ZS15 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic G9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS15 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a thorough comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the G9 scores versus the ZS15 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Photography Glossary
	
	

Reasons to pick Panasonic G9 over the Panasonic ZS15

 G9 ZS15 
LaunchedNovember 2017June 2012Fresher by 66 months
Manual focus Very precise focus
Display typeFully ArticulatedFixed Fully Articulating display
Display resolution1040k460kCrisper display (+580k dot)
Selfie screen Take selfies
Touch friendly display Easily navigate

Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS15 over the Panasonic G9

 ZS15 G9 

Common features in the Panasonic G9 and Panasonic ZS15

 G9 ZS15 
Display size3"3"Same display dimensions

Panasonic G9 vs Panasonic ZS15 Physical Comparison

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera, you should factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic G9 has got exterior dimensions of 137mm x 97mm x 92mm (5.4" x 3.8" x 3.6") with a weight of 658 grams (1.45 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS15 has proportions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Check the Panasonic G9 and Panasonic ZS15 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you use at that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the G9 against the ZS15.

Panasonic G9 vs Panasonic ZS15 size comparison

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the G9 and ZS15 is 62 and 92 respectively.

Panasonic G9 vs Panasonic ZS15 top view buttons comparison

Panasonic G9 vs Panasonic ZS15 Sensor Comparison

Typically, it can be hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizing just by looking at a spec sheet. The visual here might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the G9 and ZS15.

As you can see, the 2 cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The G9 having a larger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic G9 will give you more detail because of its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos way more aggressively. The more recent G9 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor tech.

Panasonic G9 vs Panasonic ZS15 sensor size comparison

Panasonic G9 vs Panasonic ZS15 Screen and ViewFinder

Panasonic G9 vs Panasonic ZS15 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Panasonic G9 as a Portrait photography camera
Panasonic ZS15 as a Portrait photography camera
76
manual focus
decent sensor resolution (20 megapixels)
sensor size is decent (Four Thirds)
provides face detect focusing
exports RAW formats
21
no manual focus
can't use external flash
megapixel count low (12MP)
small sensor (1/2.3")
lacks RAW files
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Street Comparison

Panasonic G9 Street photography factors
Panasonic ZS15 Street photography factors
75
fully articulated screen
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
sensor size is decent (Four Thirds)
exports RAW formats
boasts focus via touch
environment proof
above average high ISO (25,600)
61
built in image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than competition in class (208 grams)
no moving screen
small sensor (1/2.3")
lacks RAW files
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Sports Comparison

Sports photography with Panasonic G9
Sports photography with Panasonic ZS15
70
maximum shutter speed is high (1/8,000s)
silent mode (1/32,000s)
fast shooting (20.0 fps)
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
decent sensor resolution (20 megapixels)
sensor size is decent (Four Thirds)
provides tracking focus
environment proof
terrible battery power (400 per charge)
does not have phase detect AF
36
great zoom range (24-384mm 16.0 x zoom)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
has tracking focus
very slow continuous shooting (2.0 frames/s)
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
small sensor (1/2.3")
low battery pack (260 CIPA)
lacks phase detect AF
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Travel Comparison

Panasonic G9 Travel photography highlights
Panasonic ZS15 Travel photography highlights
70
environment proof
has bluetooth
boasts focus via touch
decent sensor resolution (20 megapixels)
selfie friendly screen
terrible battery power (400 CIPA)
61
lighter than competition in class (208 grams)
has built in flash
really wide (24mm)
great reach (384mm)
does not have Timelapse recording
low battery pack (260 CIPA)
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
does not posses selfie friendly screen
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.3)
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Landscape Comparison

Landscape photography with Panasonic G9
Landscape photography with Panasonic ZS15
76
manual focus
change lenses (Micro Four Thirds mount)
nice screen size (3 inch)
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
decent sensor resolution (20 megapixels)
sensor size is decent (Four Thirds)
does not have anti-alias filter
above average high ISO (25,600)
exports RAW formats
environment proof
two card slots
terrible battery power (400 per charge)
37
really wide (24mm)
screen is a decent size (3")
built in image stabilization (Optical)
no manual focus
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.3)
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
small sensor (1/2.3")
lacks RAW files
low battery pack (260 shots)
does not have Timelapse recording
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Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic G9 Vlogging advice
Panasonic ZS15 Vlogging advice
76
selfie friendly screen
touchscreen functionality
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
provides face detect focusing
video resolution high (3840 x 2160 resolution)
includes microphone socket
33
really wide (24mm)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pxls)
lighter than competition in class (208g)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.3)
does not posses selfie friendly screen
does not have microphone socket
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Panasonic G9 vs Panasonic ZS15 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Panasonic G9 and Panasonic ZS15
 Panasonic Lumix DC-G9Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15
General Information
Company Panasonic Panasonic
Model type Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15
Also Known as - Lumix DMC-TZ25
Type Pro Mirrorless Small Sensor Superzoom
Released 2017-11-08 2012-06-29
Physical type SLR-style mirrorless Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size Four Thirds 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 17.3 x 13mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area 224.9mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 20 megapixel 12 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Highest Possible resolution 5184 x 3888 4000 x 3000
Maximum native ISO 25600 6400
Lowest native ISO 200 100
RAW files
Lowest enhanced ISO 100 -
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Autofocus selectice
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Live view autofocus
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Total focus points 225 23
Lens
Lens mount type Micro Four Thirds fixed lens
Lens zoom range - 24-384mm (16.0x)
Max aperture - f/3.3-5.9
Macro focusing range - 3cm
Available lenses 107 -
Focal length multiplier 2.1 5.8
Screen
Type of screen Fully Articulated Fixed Type
Screen size 3 inch 3 inch
Screen resolution 1,040 thousand dots 460 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Electronic None
Viewfinder resolution 3,680 thousand dots -
Viewfinder coverage 100% -
Viewfinder magnification 0.83x -
Features
Min shutter speed 60 seconds 15 seconds
Max shutter speed 1/8000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Max silent shutter speed 1/32000 seconds -
Continuous shutter rate 20.0 frames per sec 2.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance no built-in flash 6.40 m
Flash modes Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro
Hot shoe
AEB
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions 3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Maximum video resolution 3840x2160 1920x1080
Video file format MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264 MPEG-4, AVCHD
Microphone port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 658g (1.45 pounds) 208g (0.46 pounds)
Physical dimensions 137 x 97 x 92mm (5.4" x 3.8" x 3.6") 105 x 58 x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 400 images 260 images
Battery type Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID DMW-BLF19 -
Self timer Yes Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse shooting
Storage type Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II supported) SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Card slots Two 1
Launch price $1,500 $279